Traffic Stop Leads to Charges for Methamphetamine Production

(Phoenix, Ariz. – October 9, 2009) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that Roberto Rodriguez, 35, of Las Vegas, was charged yesterday in Maricopa County Superior Court with possession of chemicals and/or equipment to manufacture methamphetamine, a class 2 felony.

On Tuesday night, Rodriguez was driving northbound on Loop 303 when he was pulled over by an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer in a routine traffic stop.

According to investigators, a consented search of the vehicle revealed that Rodriguez was transporting approximately 660 boxes of pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient for methamphetamine production, in his car.

Investigators also reported that Rodriguez admitted he purchased the drugs at various stores and intended to sell them to other individuals for $10,000. Furthermore, according to investigators, Rodriguez understood that the pseudoephedrine would be used by purchasers to produce other drugs.

Assistant Attorney General Patrick Zinicola is prosecuting this case. A copy of the complaint and a photograph of Rodriguez are attached. For more information, contact Anne Hilby at (602) 542-8019.